(ND Ag Connection) – For the week ending April 28, 2024, North Dakota experienced 4.4 days suitable for fieldwork, according to the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. While moisture remains a challenge, farmers are forging ahead with spring planting.

Topsoil moisture supplies are rated at 8% very short, 21% short, 66% adequate, and 5% surplus. Subsoil moisture is at 9% very short, 29% short, 58% adequate, and 4% surplus.

Here’s a breakdown of the field crops report:

• Spring wheat planting is at 20%, significantly ahead of both last year and the five-year average. Emergence is on par with the average at 1%.
• Durum wheat planting is at 8%, also ahead of both last year and the average.
• Winter wheat conditions are generally favorable, with 51% rated as good and 2% as excellent. Jointing is at 6%, slightly behind the average.
• Corn planting is at 6%, close to the average.
• Canola planting is at 4%, matching last year and slightly ahead of the average.
• Sugarbeet planting is well ahead of the average at 50%.
• Oats and barley planting are both ahead of both last year and the average, with oats at 16% and barley at 16%. Emergence for both is minimal but progressing.
• Dry edible peas planting is at 10%, ahead of both last year and the average.
• Flaxseed planting is at 1%, consistent with the average.
• Potatoes planting is at 15%, significantly ahead of the average.

In terms of pasture and range conditions:

• Cattle and calf conditions are generally good, with 74% rated as good and 10% as excellent. Calving progress is on track with last year and the average.
• Sheep and lamb conditions are also favorable, with 74% rated as good and 11% as excellent. Lambing progress is on par with last year and the average.
• Hay and roughage supplies are mostly adequate, with 80% rated as such and 7% in surplus. Stock water supplies are slightly tighter, with 20% rated as short.

Despite moisture challenges, North Dakota farmers are making progress in spring planting, setting the stage for a promising growing season ahead.